Heat exchanger cast in metal matrix composite and method of making the same

摘要

The specification and drawings describe and show an embodiment of and method of forming a liquid flow through heat exchanger structure cast in a metal matrix composite. The composite comprises a preform reinforcement material infiltrated with molten metal. The composite reinforcement material is injection molded around the heat exchanger structure allowing for intimate contact between the composite and structure. The composite formed has a specific coefficient of thermal expansion to match active heat-generating device(s) mounted thereon. The present invention allows for enhanced thermal and mechanical properties by eliminating voids or gaps at the composite to heat exchanger structure interface, these voids or gaps being present in prior art fabrication methods or induced by usage due to thermal cycling of prior art composites.